Page 74 of His Temptation
“Yeah,” I reply as I tighten the knot at my neck. It feels like it’s suffocating me.
“So, your mother said it starts at six sharp. A celebration?”
I nod my head. “My brother’s engaged.”
“That’s wonderful,” she replies.
I turn around and see such kindness in her eyes when she looks at me. It instantly relieves some of the adrenaline coursing through my veins.
“Come with me,” I spit out before even realizing what I’m doing.
Her mouth drops open. “You want me to go with you to your parents’ house? Isn’t this a family event?”
It’s too late. The idea is already stuck in my mind. If she were there with me, I might actually be able to get through the evening and come out of it in one piece.
“Yes, please. Come with me.”
“As … your assistant?” Her voice rises an octave.
I grab her hands. “Sure. I mean, I can tell them you’re my assistant and we have work to do after the party. But you’ll be there for me.”
It’s not very forthcoming with anything, but she knows it’s my way of telling her that I need her.
Suddenly, I realize she might need to get home to Ben. “I’m sorry. That’s selfish of me. Ben is probably waiting at home for you.”
“No,” she replies quickly. “He’s hanging out with his friends again tonight. You know, Friday night with your sister isn’t fun anymore.”
“So, you can come with me?” I hate how desperate I sound right now.
She looks down at herself. “I don’t know if I’m dressed properly for an engagement party.”
“You’re perfect. No one will notice.”
She smiles softly. “Okay. I’d be happy to go with you.”
Relief crashes against me. The tightening in my chest loosens just enough for me to take a deep breath. I nod my head, trying to keep my expression neutral.
As we walk out to my town car, the usual cold, dreadful feeling is replaced by an unfamiliar warmth. I realize this is what it is like to have someone there to support you. This is what it’s like to not be alone.
27
KYLIE
Something is off with Lincoln right now. He’s been acting strange all week. Not just strange, but kind of rude. He cut me off quickly when I tried to inquire about it. I’m not sure what to make of it. Him being short with me and yet continuing to keep me in the dark with what he’s feeling is starting to annoy me.
I was going to say something to him about it until he asked me to come with him to his parents’ house. The way he looked at me with pleading eyes, it was almost like he was afraid to go. That just doesn’t make sense.
Why would he be afraid to see his parents? Why did he refuse to call his own mother back?
Even now, as we sit in the car on the way to his parents’ apartment on the Upper East Side, he’s stiff and quiet.
I’m internally freaking out. Upper East Side places probably mean old money. I have a feeling I know what I’m about to walk into. What will they think if they ask me about my life? Will theyscoff at the knowledge that I just moved out of Harlem only a couple of months ago and that my current apartment is likely the size of their master bedroom?
George pulls up to the tall white stone building. I step out of the car without waiting for anyone to open my door. I’m over that kind of treatment. Call me crazy, but when he does that, I feel like a child who can’t possibly be trusted to do something as dangerous as open and close my own door. Part of it might be me clinging to my upbringing and lifestyle. I stare up at Lincoln’s parents’ apartment.
With Lincoln’s hand on my lower back, we walk into the building. When we get into the elevator, he presses the button for floor five out of twelve.
“Not the penthouse?” I ask jokingly.
